Mayor Francis takes shot at Marra (With video)

Mayor Eddie Francis used the podium at a business breakfast Friday to publicly defend himself against disparaging comments leveled by councillor Bill Marra.

“Yesterday, I was accused of having a personal agenda,” Francis said at the annual general meeting of the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation. “Guilty as charged; I’ve had a personal agenda for the last 11 years.

“My personal agenda is your agenda … growing this economy, bringing jobs and putting this region on the map.”

Francis, who will not seek re-election, was referred to by Marra as a “one-person show.”

The next mayor “has to be inclusive of all members of council … We need a mayor who can set aside any personal agendas. It’s a tense dynamic at times if you don’t agree with the mayor.”

The Ward 8 counncillor made his comments as he announced he would not seek the mayor’s chair.

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The Jesus flag is not welcome at city hall. Councillors agreed Monday night with a report from city administration to deny a request to fly a flag in support of the annual March for Jesus scheduled for Aug. 22.